Culinary Calendar

Beyond Words Benefit Breakfast - Raises funds for RiteCare Spokane, a Scottish Rite Masonic Charity, to continue free speech therapy services for children ages 2-7. Thursday, 8 a.m., Spokane Athletic Club. $100. (509) 838-2310.

Chateauneuf du Pape - Rarely known for being inexpensive, sample eight wines, cheese and La Brea bread. Reservations and prepayment required. Friday, 7 p.m., Rocket Market, 726 E. 43rd Ave. $40, plus tax. (509) 343-2253.

Fish Fry - Hosted by the Elks Lodge, served with coleslaw. Reservations required. Friday, 5:30-7 p.m., 2605 N. Robie Road. $7. (509) 926-2328.

Scandinavian Heritage Luncheon - Find out about genealogy, history, sports and more. Reservations needed by today. Sunday, 1 p.m., Sons of Norway Tordenskjord Lodge, 6710 N. Country Homes Blvd. (509) 326-9211.

Memorial Day Buffet - Sponsored by VFW No. 51. Menu includes hot turkey sandwich, vegetables, rolls and salad. Monday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 300 W. Mission Ave. $6.50. (509) 327-9847.

Spokane Wineries and Northwest Cheese - Taste some of Spokane’s finest wines paired with regional cheeses of the Northwest. Prepay only; reservations may be made up to three days before the scheduled class. Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Saunders Cheese Market, 210 S. Washington St. $45. (509) 455-9400.

Brown Bag Bonanza - Sample eight red wines, cheese and La Brea bread. Reservations and prepayment required. May 30, 7 p.m., Rocket Market, 726 E. 43rd Ave. $25, plus tax. (509) 343-2253.

Liver and Onions Dinner - Hosted by the Elks Lodge. Reservations required. May 30, 5:30-7 p.m., 2605 N. Robie Road. (509) 926-2328.

Spring Barbecue and Hot Rod Gathering - Hot rod show, Texas-style barbecue, live music, pinstripers, beer garden, vendors. Camping available. May 31, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Main Street, Palouse. No spectator fee.

Compass Club Luncheon - A women’s club for welcoming newcomers to the area. Menu includes: Northwest Chicken Salad Croissant, lemon bars, iced tea, coffee, and a no-host bar. Reservations are required by May 29. Registration/check-in at 11 a.m., meeting at 11:30. June 3. DoubleTree Hotel. $20/includes lunch. (509) 465-4043.

Grape and Grain 2008 - Spokane’s Premiere Wine and Beer Tasting event. Presented by the Spokane Advertising Federation, a nonprofit group that raises funds for advertising scholarships, fully supports and advises the Northwest District of Advertising College Students for the annual national competition, and sponsors a nationally recognized teenage drug awareness advertising contest T.A.S.C. in the Great Spokane area. Featuring more than 20 Northwest wineries and breweries, a silent auction and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets may be purchased at Vino! A Wine Shop, Huckleberry’s, and www.spokaneadfed.com. June 6, 7-10 p.m., Mukogawa Fort Wright Institute, 4000 W. Randolph Road. $30/advance, $40/door. (509) 325-0701.

Picks o’ the Month - Sample eight new wines, cheese and La Brea bread. Reservations and prepayment required. June 6, 7 p.m., Rocket Market, 726 E. 43rd Ave. $20, plus tax. (509) 343-2253.

Rhubarb Festival - Third annual event. June 7, 900 W. Fourth, Newport. (509) 447-9277.

Taste of Washington - 100 Washington wineries and nearly 30 area restaurants. June 8, 5-8:30 p.m., The Davenport Hotel, 10 S. Post St. $85. (509) 838-1229.

Saunders Staff Favorites - Joining the staff of Vino’s to pair our favorite cheese with their favorite wines. Prepay only; reservations may be made up to three days before the scheduled class. June 10, 6-8 p.m., Saunders Cheese Market, 210 S. Washington St. $45. (509) 455-9400.

10 Greats Under $10 - Fantastic red and white wines, with cheese and LaBrea bread. Reservations and payment in advance required. June 13, 7 p.m., Rocket Market, 726 E. 43rd Ave. $20, plus tax. (509) 343-2253.

Endowment Dinner - Presented by Spokane Civic Theatre, honoring long-time Civic supporters, Robert and Margot Ogden. Attendees will indulge in a delicious meal, catered by Europa Restaurant and Bakery, and served on the main stage. Following will be a preview showcase of the musical line-up for the 2008-09 Season, including numbers from upcoming musicals “Oklahoma!”, “A Christmas Carol,” “The Musical: No, No, Nanette,” “Godspell,” “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” and “Sweeney Todd.” Limited seating is available for those who wish to attend only the showcase, with dessert and one glass of champagne included. June 20; dinner at 6:30 p.m., show at 8. Spokane Civic Theatre, 1020 N. Howard St. $75/person, $20/show only. (509) 325-2507.

The Dark Side of Syrah/Shiraz - Reds to pacify your thirst for danger. Reservations and prepayment required. June 20, 7 p.m., Rocket Market, 726 E. 43rd Ave. $25, plus tax. (509) 343-2253.